JET TERROR
DRAMATIC video shows flames bursting from under a plane's wing after a wheel caught fire on landing in Atlanta.
Terrified passengers saw the blaze erupt just outside their windows but were told to stay in their seats as firefighters raced to help the stricken jet.
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The Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 touched down at Hartfield-Jackson airport at 9.25am yesterday after a flight from Tampa, Florida.
Footage from inside the cabin shows large orange flames and black smoke shooting alarmingly from under one wing near the engine.
Passengers are heard shouting: "Fire! The plane's on fire!" as panic spreads onboard.
A separate video shows the jet stationary on the tarmac with grey smoke billowing from underneath.
Further footage inside shows passengers' reactions as they stand up and prepare to make a dash for safety.
Crew members can be heard repeatedly urging calm over the loudspeakers.
One says: "Ladies and gentleman stay seated, stay seated, we do not have to evacuate now."
Another says: "Go back to your seats, we do not have to evacuate, please go back to your seats. Thank you."
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The sounds of seat belts clicking open can be heard between announcements.
A further announcement says: "If the pilot give us the command to evacuate we will evacuate.
"Please leave the aisles clear and remain seated. If we do have to evacuate please just leave your bags. We will let you know."
A fire truck can also be seen through the window as emergency crews extinguish the blaze.
Spirit said it was caused by an overheating brake in the landing gear, which ignited a tire.
The airline said: “Spirit Flight 383 from Tampa to Atlanta landed safely in Atlanta International Airport and upon landing one of the brakes overheated.
"The aircraft was towed to the gate where guests safely deplaned without any injuries."
It added: “Thank you to the Atlanta first responders for immediately meeting the aircraft.
“The plane will be temporarily removed from service for maintenance.”
Last week, an Airbus A320 operated by British Airways caught fire after a flight from London to Copenhagen.
Pictures showed fire crews hosing the aircraft with foam after an engine burst into flames at the gate.
All passengers and crew were safely taken off.
Last month, three people were hurt in an emergency evacuation at Miami airport.
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The Red Air jet crashed and caught fire when the landing gear reportedly collapsed after a flight from the Dominican Republic.
The video showed the panic and chaos as passengers slid down the emergency chutes.
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